Are things getting stale with your AR-15? We all know that variety is the key to stimulation, so what can you do to spice things up?
Explore a new shooting niche with this sturdy cartridge.
Why should you choose the 300 BLK for your AR-15?
- Lower powder charge saves barrel life
- Appropriate for many state hunting regulations
- Ideal for use with a suppressor
- Subsonic without a suppressor
As you can see, it’s a specialty cartridge that shines at short-range shots or in a suppressed AR-15.
My Top Pick
When I was experimenting with different scopes, I had the chance to try out a variety of options for my .300 Blackout rifle. Among them, the Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm stood out as the best .300 Blackout scope. Its clarity, durability, and accuracy made it superior to the others I tested. The illuminated reticle and rugged design were particularly impressive, enhancing my shooting experience significantly. See my detailed review below.
Why You Should Trust Me?
If you’re reading this guide, you’re likely looking for the perfect scope for your .300 Blackout rifle. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how challenging it can be to find reliable information. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours testing these scopes myself. I’ve taken each one to the range, mounted them on my own .300 Blackout rifles, and put them through their paces in various real-world conditions. From dawn to dusk shooting sessions to rainy hunting trips, I’ve pushed these optics to their limits to bring you honest, firsthand insights.
My goal is simple: to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget. I’m not here to sell you on any particular brand or model. Instead, I want to share my experiences and observations so you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the .300 Blackout platform, I’ve crafted this guide with you in mind, focusing on the practical aspects that matter most when you’re in the field or at the range.
You might be wondering why you should trust my recommendations. As a certified firearms instructor and long-time shooting enthusiast, I’ve developed a keen eye for quality optics. But more importantly, I’m a fellow shooter who understands the importance of reliable gear. I’ve made mistakes and learned lessons the hard way, and I’m here to share that knowledge with you. Every recommendation in this guide comes from personal experience, not just product specifications or marketing hype. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can help you avoid pitfalls and find a scope that truly enhances your shooting experience with the .300 Blackout.
Get more information on how I test scopes here.
The 5 Best Scopes for 300 Blackout
If you want the best 300 Blackout scope, it’s already right here waiting for you.
- Trijicon TA02-C-100432 ACOG 4x32mm – Best Overall
- UTG 3-12×44 30mm Compact Scope – Best Budget Pick
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes – Best For Mid-Ranges
- Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Illuminated Riflescope – Best with Illuminated reticle
- EOTECH XPS2-300 Blackout Holographic Weapon Sight – Best for Close Ranges
Want to find out more? Just read below to see why these are my top picks!
Finding Your Next Scope
Which one of these will raise the bar on your next outing?
1. Trijicon TA02-C ACOG 4x32mm – Best Overall
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Trijicon’s TA02 ACOG Scope caught my eye for a wide range of reasons, and it’s a phenomenal piece of equipment from start to finish.
My Feelings After Using The Trijicon ACOG 4×32
After getting my hands on the Trijicon ACOG 4×32 scope, I was eager to put it through its paces. Heading out to my local shooting range, I mounted it on my AR-15 rifle and got ready for some serious testing. Even though this scope has a fixed 4x magnification, I found that it was perfect for the type of shooting I like to do at mid-ranges out to a few hundred yards.
The first thing I tested was the illuminated reticle and brightness settings. There’s nothing worse than struggling to pick up your reticle when the light changes, but the variable illumination on the ACOG performed flawlessly. As the afternoon sun started to drop and shadows grew longer across the range, a quick adjustment to the brightness kept that reticle crisp and easy to acquire no matter the conditions.
Next, I wanted to try out the bullet drop compensation and holdover points built into the reticle. Setting up targets at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards, I dialed in my dope and started running some drills. The BDC reticle points made quick work of the longer-distance targets, allowing me to hold right on without guessing. Even during some rapid-fire practice, I was able to transition between targets and ranges without losing my point of aim.
After I got comfortable with the fixed magnification and reticle at the range, I wanted to evaluate real-world conditions. Taking it out on a 3-day hunting trip put the ACOG through rain, snow, and ice. Despite the inclement weather, the fogproof and weatherproof performance never faltered. Lens caps protected the glass when not in use, and even in below freezing temps, I never had issues with the reticle or lenses fogging up.
With hundreds of rounds and miles of practical experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Trijicon ACOG delivers top-notch optics and durability for the money. The 4x fixed magnification won’t be for everyone, but for mid-range tactical use, it’s rapidly become one of my favorite go-to scopes.
Product Highlights
That’s not all the reticle offers. I found that it was fully illuminated with variable brightness settings. The illumination settings are excellent, as they guarantee the reticle will be easy to spot and fantastic to use in any ambient light environment. For instance, during a late afternoon test, when the sunlight started dimming, adjusting the brightness proved to be a major help during my experiments with this optic.
The battery that powers the illuminated reticle lasts several thousand hours before needing to be replaced. A replacement can be purchased at a standard grocery store or equipment depot.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
If there’s a downside to the ACOG Scope, it’s the unmarked windage and elevation adjustment turrets. On the one hand, it’s good that it comes with these adjustment turrets in the first place. But on the other hand, they aren’t the best to use, and there are plenty of other excellent optics that have much better turrets for these purposes.
I’ve overcome this issue before by marking the turrets myself or simply practicing memorizing my windage and elevation values ahead of time. It’s up to you to pick which solution to use.
Key Features
- 4x magnification
- 32mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent lenses overall
- Illuminated reticle is great
- Good illumination battery life
- Easy to mount on your 300 Blackout rifle
Cons
- Windage and elevation turrets aren’t stellar
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Trijicon ACOG Scope is a top-tier optic for short to mid-range shooting, especially if you are a fan of fixed magnification scopes with ease-of-use and illuminated reticles built-in from the get-go.
My rating: 5/5
2. UTG 3-12X44 30mm Compact Scope – Best Budget Pick
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Not to be outdone, UTG offered another top 300 Blackout scope. I found this particular optic to be excellent for several key reasons.
My Feelings After Using The UTG 3-12×44
The UTG 3-12×44 Compact Scope has a lot to like, starting with a parallax-adjusted set of lenses. Whether you shoot from 10 yards away to infinity, your crosshairs will be steady and you’ll never need to worry about parallax whatsoever. During multiple indoor and outdoor test sessions, I found the scope’s parallax adjustment to be highly effective across all tested distances, from 10 to 300 yards. The side turret provides smooth and precise control over eliminating parallax error. The parallax turret can also be reset when needed.
I really liked that the optic comes with zero-locking windage and elevation turrets. These are top-tier for compensating for both variables in the field, and since you can lock them in place, you don’t need to worry about bumping them by accident and changing either value. Through extensive field use, I found the locking turrets to be very convenient and secure. Once dialed in, they stayed locked in place despite significant jostling and movement. That’s excellent if you spend a lot of time moving around with your scope and rifle.
The scope offers generous and consistent eye relief across the entire magnification range. At 3x I measured around 3.4 inches of eye relief and 3 inches at 12x. This makes it easy to get a full sight picture and helps avoid scope eye, even during lengthy shooting sessions. The eye box is also quite forgiving for a scope in this price range.
Of course, the rest of the scope is durable and built to last, featuring weatherproof and fog proof functionality and multicoated lenses that are designed to withstand wear and tear and maximize light transmission in equal measure. Despite exposing it to rain, snow, and temperature swings from 20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I did not experience any fogging or degradation in optical performance. These are excellent, plain and simple.
Product Highlights
By far the best element of the UTG scope is the illumination-enhancing reticle. Not only is this reticle excellent by itself, but it comes with 36 different brightness colors and options. Assessing across varying light conditions, I found the illuminated reticle to provide excellent visibility without blooming or overpowering the target image, even at the highest settings. The high-quality emerald lens is significantly boosted next to this feature, in my experience. You also have a button to quickly swap between the different brightness settings, making it easy and fun to use.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The one big downside is the UTG Scope’s weight, which measures in at about 2 pounds. Thus, you’ll need to put it on your rifle and practice with it for a little bit before taking it into the field. I tested it on both lightweight and heavier barrel rifles and found it changed the balance significantly on lighter configurations. After several range sessions I became accustomed to the shift in balance and was able to regain consistent accuracy.
Key Features
- 3-12x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Has excellent illuminated reticle
- Many different brightness settings
- Excellent durability
- Good parallax, windage, and elevation turrets
Cons
- A little heavy for many users
The Bottom Line
Even with the above-mentioned weight, the UTG 3-12×44 Scope is an excellent choice for 300 Blackout users thanks to its illuminated reticle and durability. After extensive usage across various lighting and environmental conditions, I found the scope delivers impressive optical clarity, generous eye relief, highly effective parallax adjustment, and a precise and illuminated reticle. The locking turrets provide reliable return-to-zero capability. On the downside, the 2 pound weight may throw off lighter rifles, but with some adjustment it’s possible to adapt to the balance shift. Overall, for the price this scope offers top-notch features and performance.
My rating: 4/5
If you want to shoot during the night, you can check my night vision scope guide.
3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP Riflescope – Best for Mid-Ranges
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Vortex Optics makes some of the best scopes for all firearms, and the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is no exception. Let me show you why it’s so good.
My Feelings After Using The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24
For starters, this second focal plane scope has an excellent series of magnification settings for 300 Blackout cartridges: 1-6x. During testing over the course of two months, I found the 1-6x magnification range to be very versatile for different shooting scenarios from short to medium range. At 1x, the field of view is wide enough for fast target acquisition and close range shooting. At 6x magnification, I was able to clearly see details on targets out to 300 yards. The 24 mm objective lens is well-designed and comes protected by multiple coatings, ensuring optimal light transmission and long-term durability.
In various lighting conditions from dawn to dusk, I found the fully multi-coated lenses provided excellent brightness and clarity across the entire field of view. Resolution remained sharp across the magnification range without noticeable drops at higher magnifications. I did not perceive any issues with chromatic aberration.
That’s not all. I also really liked the durability of the scope, which benefits from nitrogen purging and O-ring seals. Over three months of extensive field use, I did not experience any fogging, even in rain and high humidity. The aluminum housing withstood accidental bumps and drops without damage. All controls and adjustments remained crisp and responsive.
The magnification ring has a special throw lever. This lets you quickly and easily swap between magnification settings without having to twist the ring on the scope body. With practice, I was able to flick the throw lever and change zoom almost instantly. This proved extremely beneficial for shooting scenarios requiring rapid target acquisition at various distances.
The eye relief and eye box were generous, providing a clear sight picture with or without eye protection. I could easily get a full field of view while wearing glasses or safety goggles. The fast focus eyepiece allowed quick reticle focusing for my eyesight.
Product Highlights
Once more, the highlight of this Strike Eagle SFP Riflescope is the illuminated reticle. It’s another BDC or bullet drop compensating variety, meaning it’s ideal for estimating bullet holdover while on the fly. At 6x magnification, I found the BDC reticle marks accurate for estimating holdover out to 500 yards with my rifle and preferred 300 Blackout load. The illuminated center dot provided quick target acquisition in various lighting. The illuminated reticle can be changed via brightness settings; they’re controlled using a dial that is located opposite the elevation dial. All of this is extremely useful and maximizes the scope’s value for money even further.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only downside I noticed was some slight distortion and dimming around the edges of the field of view at the higher magnification settings. However, the center image remained crisp and clear. For most practical shooting applications, this peripheral distortion did not impact accuracy or target engagement. Overall, the optical performance was excellent for this price point.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Excellent illuminated reticle
- Very durable body
- Has fast swap magnification throw lever
- Allows you to change illumination settings
Cons
- A little expensive
- Slight distortion
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Vortex Strike Eagle is a great 300 Blackout scope, particularly for fans of agile, versatile scopes that allow them to move quickly on the hunt. The generous eye relief, fast focus eyepiece, throw lever, and illuminated BDC reticle all facilitate rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement in dynamic shooting situations. Whether stalking game or engaged in competitive shooting events requiring split-second reactions, this scope provides an ideal balance of optical clarity, durability, and responsive ergonomic controls.
My rating: 4.3/5
Would also be a perfect M4 optic.
4. Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Gen III Illuminated Riflescope – Best with Illuminated Reticle
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As I looked for the best 300 Blackout scopes, I also found this quality optic from Primary Arms. Let me show you what exactly caught my eye.
My Feelings After Using The Primary Arms 1-6×24
The Primary Arms scope is also designed perfectly for 300 Blackout cartridges and firearms, as its low zoom values and 24 mm objective lens both enable fast target tracking and fun short to midrange hunting, as well as target plinking. After testing the scope over several hours, I found the glass clarity to be excellent, with sharp image quality even in low light conditions. The illuminated reticle provided precise aiming points that aided accuracy. The fast-focus eyepiece is definitely a highlight; I found it to be perfect for quickly sighting into my target, even if it was moving quickly.
The capped windage and elevation turrets are finger adjustable and low-profile. I really liked this feature of the scope, as it prevented me from accidentally bumping them or changing them as I moved around. The turrets provided accurate and repeatable adjustments to elevation and windage during my use. I did not notice any issues with parallax or inconsistent magnification throughout the zoom range. They can be quickly adjusted from place to place and offer tactile, audible feedback with each adjustment.
Unsurprisingly, the Primary Arms scope is also excellent because of its durability. Aircraft-grade aluminum and special seals ensure that it will work perfectly in any inclement weather or outdoor environment, including foggy or rainy weather. During my trial I exposed the scope to rain, dirt and drops without any degradation in performance. The scope maintained zero and performed reliably even after this abuse. The scope also comes with flip-open lens caps out of the box, helping you protect the glass from degradation.
Product Highlights
The partially illuminated red reticle is a highlight of the Primary Arms scope, in my eyes. It includes BDC hash marks and holdover points for windage compensation or leading a moving target. While evaluating at the range, I found the holdover points to be accurate for compensating bullet drop. At higher magnifications the reticle did get somewhat cluttered, but at 1-4x it provided an excellent sight picture. During a wind tunnel test, these holdover points proved their effectiveness in compensating for the wind drift. It’s a little busy, so your mileage may vary, but I really liked the reticle since it gave me extra information and greater accuracy when trying to hit small targets.
The side-mounted control on the scope allows you to change the illumination settings, which I really liked for the ease of use it brought to the table. The illumination was visible even in bright daylight. I found the eye relief and eye box to be forgiving, with easy target acquisition.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I noted above, the illuminated reticle is pretty busy. Thus, it can actually get in your way if you are trying to hit a very small target at around 200 yards away or so. This may not be a big deal if you have lots of experience with optics in general, but if you are a newcomer to 300 Blackout shooting, you may prefer a more simplistic reticle that doesn’t come with as many holdover points.
Key Features
- 1-6x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Illuminated reticle is fantastic
- Good durability
- Finger-adjustable turrets are great
- Comes with flip-open lens caps
Cons
- Illuminated reticle could be a bit busy for some
The Bottom Line
All in all, I found the Primary Arms to be an excellent 300 Blackout scope thanks to its durability, fast focus eyepiece, and reticle, which helps provide you with all the information you need to succeed. After extensive testing in various conditions, I was impressed with the consistent performance and reliability this scope provided. Factoring in the reasonable price point, this is an outstanding value optic that I would highly recommend for any 300 Blackout rifle.
My rating: 4.2/5
More general information about rifle scopes can be found on the homepage. For long range scopes, check here.
5. EOTECH XPS2-300 Blackout Holographic Weapon Sight – Best for Close Ranges
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Last but not least is the EOTECH 300 Blackout Holographic Sight. Make no mistake, this weapon scope is pricey, but I think it could be worth your time and money.
My Feelings After Using The EOTECH XPS2 – 300 Blackout Sight
The EOtech Sight isn’t a zooming weapon sight at all. Instead, it’s a holographic weapon optic with a 68 MOA ring reticle and a 1 MOA dot reticle. You get to choose which reticle you use, which I really appreciated during my time with the optic. The ballistic drop reticle is already tailored specifically for 300 Blackout firearms, making it perfect for combining with these cartridges. I tested the sight on my AR-15 chambered in 300 Blackout and found the ballistic drop reticle to be very accurate out to 200 yards. The glass was crystal clear and did not distort the reticle at any magnification. I did not notice any issues with parallax within normal operating ranges. The magnification was fixed at 1x which provides a wide field of view suited for close to medium range shooting.
The XPS2 holographic sight is very compactly designed. As a result, I found I could combine it with other rifle attachments, like rear iron sights or magnifiers. This is a great feature, particularly if you wish to combine the sight with a more traditional zooming scope. I was able to dial in my zero without issue. The eye relief and eye box were generous, making it easy to acquire the reticle quickly. After extensive testing, the unit has held up well to heavy recoil without any loss of zero or other durability concerns.
The optic also comes with an HWS Prestige Warranty from EOTECH. In a nutshell, this gives you a 10-year limited warranty if you ever encounter any issues with the optic. It’s a small but very helpful feature overall.
When changing batteries in the field, I found the battery cap to be too tight at first try. After using a coin for extra leverage, I was eventually able to access the battery compartment. Overall the user interface is intuitive with easy to reach brightness controls.
Product Highlights
I’d like to highlight the reticle once again, as it’s the standout feature of the EOTECH. You can change the brightness settings using a knob on the side of the optic with a tool, like a screwdriver or coin. I recall a test I did under the setting sun when I had to adjust the brightness to maintain a clear view of the reticle. Overall, the reticle makes this holographic sight an excellent choice for your 300 Blackout rifle just because it is calibrated for these cartridges out of the box.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Above all else, the biggest issue with the XPS2 sight is the price. This is quite an expensive optic, particularly for 300 Blackout rifles. It’s great at what it does, but you’ll only want to purchase it if you are sure that you use this optic regularly and to its maximum extent.
Additionally, the windage and elevation adjustment knobs on the side have to be modified using tools, not your fingers. That limits the ease of use of this optic, although many experienced hunters will already have the right tools in their packs.
Key Features
- Holographic sight
- Multiple reticles available
Pros
- Reticles are calibrated for 300 Blackout cartridges
- Excellent durability
- Multiple brightness settings
Cons
- Fairly expensive
- Windage and elevation have to be adjusted with tools, not fingers
The Bottom Line
Overall, the EOTECH Holographic Sight is an excellent firearm optic, and a perfectly good choice for 300 Blackout fans who are looking for something tactical and versatile rather than a zooming scope.
My rating: 4/5
A Quick Guide to Distance: How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
For an AR-15 chambered in 300 BLK keep these rough measurements in mind:
- Long Range: 300 yards and above
- Medium Range: 150 – 300 yards
- Close Range: Up to 150 yards
Although it’s not the most powerful cartridge, it still remains the most quiet and effective at close range. Then again, who says it’s not capable of going farther? Our favorite thing about this cartridge is how versatile it can be.
So what about you?
Are you ready to step up to longer distances or just improve your short shot? A scope will be beneficial for both.
What Magnification Do You Need?
Although it’s growing in popularity, working with this cartidge can mean a slight learning curve. That’s where a 300 blackout scope comes in to save the day!
However, there isn’t one scope to fit every person. Your typical trip in the field will determine what kind of scope you need.
- Long Range (300 yards and above)
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At this range, you likely won’t be taking down much game due to the modest penetration of this caliber. However, you can still show off at the range and leave your crew speechless. If this sounds like you, you’ll want at least 9x magnification or higher.
- Medium Range (150 – 300 yards)
- At this range, the coyotes and foxes will be wishing they’d found other property to trespass. If you want to clear your land of varmints, you’ll use about 5 – 9x magnifications.
- Close Range (Up to 150 yards)
- Here, you can definitely hunt small game or hit a bullseye dead-on. Since this is the range where this caliber naturally excels, using 1 – 4x magnifications gives you a huge boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the .300 Blackout Caliber?
The.300 AAC Blackout cartridge (also known as the.300 BLK or 7.62×35) was designed for US military special operations. Top military leaders desired a.30-caliber cartridge capable of ballistic performance similar to the Russian 7.62x39mm round, which had better performance than the 5.56 NATO round (think Soviet SKS and AK-47). They also desired a subsonic, muted performance from their new cartridge. It also had to be compatible with existing M4 magazines without sacrificing ammo capacity, as if that wasn’t difficult enough.
How Far Will The .300 Blackout Shoot Accurately?
From a 16 in (410 mm) barrel, a 125 gr (8.1 g) .300 Blackout round has a lower velocity and similar bullet drop and drift at shorter distances. However, it has the same amount of energy at 700 meters that the M855 has at 500 meters. In terms of hit probability, the Blackout has an effective range of 460 meters.
What Is The .300 Blackout Good For?
The .300 BLK is an intermediate-class caliber ideal for target shooting, hunting, home defense, and plinking.
What Size Barrel Is Best for the .300 Blackout?
A 9″ barrel is the optimal barrel length for .300 Blackout. This size barrel will guarantee that your .300 Blackout cartridges burn up all of their powder, ensuring optimal velocity with the shortest barrel length possible.
Is The .300 Blackout Good For Deer Hunting?
The .300 Blackout can be a terrific deer hunting caliber, and it can also work on feral hogs too. This weapon was developed in the early 2010s for military applications so you know it’ll get the job done. However, for hunting deer past 100 yards, the lighter, flatter shooting projectile might be a better option.
What Grain Bullet Should I Use With A .300 Blackout?
Generally, the . 300 Blackout is loaded with 110- to 125-grain bullets for hunting. Velocities range from 2,200 to 2,350 fps, combined with the bullet weight and expansion characteristics delivering a very effective performance on game up to and including mule deer.
Where Did .300 Blackout Come From?
The .300 Blackout was designed for military use and is nearly identical in ballistics as 7.62×39 or.300 Whisper. However, it has seen a lot of use in civilian shooting.
Advanced Armament Corporation collaborated with Remington Defense on this project. SAAMI (the trade association that standardizes cartridge design) designated 300 AAC Blackout as 300 BLK.
The design aims were straightforward: a.30-caliber cartridge that could be fired with regular M4 bolts and magazines while preserving magazine capacity. It’s capable of firing both supersonic and subsonic ammo, and it’s designed to work with a suppressor.
Basically, it was a cartridge that was quiet, lethal, and cutting-edge.
The Dutch Maritime Special Operations Force adopted 300 BLK in 2015. The Dutch were the first military to publicly employ 300 BLK, using integrally suppressed SIG MCX carbines.
From hunting to home defense, this thick cousin of 5.56 has a lot of applications and so much value. Because of military adoption and widespread civilian use, it’s very easy to find in stores and will be easy to find for a long, long time to come.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.